The nation is preparing to bid farewell to Jimmy Carter with a series of memorial services, reflecting on his extraordinary life of service and his unwavering connection to his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a tireless advocate for peace, human rights, and humanitarian efforts, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia. Surrounded by family, Carter was 100 years old, making him the longest-living president in U.S. history.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter circa 1944. | Source: Getty Images
The former president is survived by his children, Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, and one grandchild.
Chip Carter reflected on his father’s legacy, “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love.”
Carter had spent much of the past year in hospice care at his home. Despite his declining health, he made meaningful appearances at a tribute service for Rosalynn in November 2023 and her private funeral in Plains the following day.
Former President Jimmy Carter at the funeral service for his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. | Source: Getty Images
Just weeks before his passing, he fulfilled a final wish by casting his vote in the 2024 presidential election. Members of the Carter Protective Division of the U.S. Secret Service mourned his loss, sharing personal stories of their decades-long service to the Carter family.
Jimmy Carter at his wife’s funeral service on November 29, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
“We’ve been planning for [today],” one official said, “but it’s still a gut punch.” Plans are underway to coordinate with the Department of Defense for Carter’s expected memorial services in Washington, D.C., and his return to Georgia.
Jimmy Carter circa 1987. | Source: Getty Images
In accordance with tradition, the late former president will reportedly lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda in Washington for several days before being buried in a private ceremony in Plains, Georgia, alongside his wife.
His final resting place is the modest home the couple shared for decades. “Even in death, he hadn’t forgotten the town,” said Boze Godwin, a longtime friend and former mayor of Plains.
Jimmy Carter at “The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer” book party on December 13, 1995, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden honored Carter’s life and legacy in a heartfelt statement that read in part, “To honor a great American, I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington, D.C., for James Earl Carter, Jr. […] who gave his full life in service to God and country.”
Jimmy Carter holding a baby while at “The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer” book party on December 13, 1995, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Biden also proclaimed a National Day of Mourning on January 9 and ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 days. Carter’s memorial services will span several days, with events in Atlanta and Washington before concluding in Plains.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter smiles during a news conference on August 6, 2001, in Asan, South Korea. | Source: Getty Images
His funeral will mark him as the sixth American president to receive a state funeral at the Capitol, underscoring the nation’s deep respect for his enduring contributions.
As the country prepares to say goodbye, the former president’s legacy as a champion of peace and servant of the people remains a guiding light.
